The 2025 Winner Epic Israel cycling race, held in partnership with Keren Kayemeth LeIsrael-Jewish National Fund (KKL-JNF), will celebrate its 10th edition this September in memory of the late Giora Tsachor, a former senior Mossad official, devoted patriot, and accomplished cyclist.
Tsachor embodied professionalism, determination, resilience, a deep love for people and the land, and left a profound impact on all who knew him.
“This race was born from a shared dream between my father and me,” said race founder and producer Gal Tsachor, Giora’s son. “We wanted to create a true mountain bike race in Israel that connects a love of the land, challenging sport, and a strong community. To see that dream alive and thriving with hundreds of riders from Israel and abroad is a huge privilege.”
From September 17 to 20, riders from across Israel and around the world will take to the trails of the Carmel region, starting from the Nachsholim area on the Mediterranean coast.
Hundreds of participants are expected, including Olympic athletes, youth teams, Paralympic riders, IDF wounded veterans, members of social organizations, and trailblazing women’s groups. Over the past decade, the event has grown into much more than a competition – it has become a vibrant community, a celebration of human stories, and a reflection of Israel’s diversity.
“This year we celebrate 10 years of Winner Epic Israel with KKL-JNF,” Tsachor added. “For me, Winner Epic Israel is no longer just a race – it’s a life’s work and proof of sport’s power to connect, heal, and drive forward. I thank all the partners, riders, and volunteers who make this vision a reality year after year.”
Among the riders will be members of Brothers for Life, which supports Israeli soldiers injured during their service, and youth from the Bartali Youth in Movement program, which promotes equal opportunities through cycling-based educational and social initiatives.
Four-day event
The four-day event will feature challenging routes through varied landscapes, with daily changes in terrain and scenery. On Wednesday, September 17, the race will open with a 45-kilometer ride along the Nachsholim coastline, through single tracks, farmland in the Hanadiv Valley, and sections of the Israel National Trail. The opening ceremony at Nachsholim Hotel will include a ribbon-cutting and the first official start, led by former POW Ofer Kalderon and the “Smurfs” cycling group.
On Thursday, September 18, riders will cover 82 kilometers with 600 meters of climbing, including water crossings, orchards, vineyards in the Binyamina area, and a new KKL-JNF bike trail.
Yaron Ohayon, Head of Land Development at KKL-JNF, noted: “At KKL-JNF we believe that connecting people to the land is the foundation of a healthy, values-driven, and united society. Winner Epic Israel is the embodiment of our vision – combining outdoor activity, love of the land, promotion of sustainability, and strengthening of community bonds.”
Friday, September 19, features the “Queen Stage” – 100 kilometers with 1,500 meters of climbing through Zichron Ya’akov and the northern Carmel, including KKL-JNF single tracks.
“By building cycling trails, caring for open spaces, and creating green areas,” Ohayon added, “we are not just developing infrastructure – we are shaping environmental awareness, educating the next generation, and bringing hearts closer together.”
The race concludes on Saturday, September 20, with a 65-kilometer ride and 600 meters of climbing, passing through the Carmel, Tel Dor, Habonim, and the Taninim Stream Nature Reserve – some sections specially opened for the event.
Each evening, participants and guests will gather for gala dinners, daily medal and leader’s jersey presentations, video recaps, speeches, and briefings for the next stage. The closing night will feature the official awards ceremony and crowning of the winners. Alongside the professional racing, the event will host community gatherings, on-course cheer stations, activity areas, and a VIP tour to watch the starts and join the festivities.
Meir Berdugo, CEO of Winner, said the race reflects the organization’s broader mission.
“The Toto is proud to be a partner in Winner Epic Israel with KKL-JNF – an event that embodies the values we strive to promote. Our motto ‘Never Give Up’ reflects our commitment to supporting sport and leisure as part of Israel’s recovery and renewal in 2025.”
Amir Prezenti, CEO of TREK Israel, echoed the sentiment.
“TREK Israel sees Winner Epic Israel as a high point both professionally and in community impact. From casual riders to elite athletes, we’ve invested in building communities and fostering cycling culture. We are proud to take part in this event and see ourselves as natural partners for years to come.”
Founded in 2014 by Gal Tsachor, Winner Epic Israel with KKL-JNF was created to bring a world-class mountain bike event to Israel, blending sport, nature, and community. Over the years, thousands of riders from Israel and abroad have taken part.
For more information, please visit the event website at www.epicisrael.org.il